Things I am looking forward to in Cincy

This will be my first trip to Cincinnati and I’m going into it with a few hopes. Being that this is my second NYWC I know what to expect, I anticipate what I’ll like and dislike about the convention itself.

Purposes
Unlike the first time, I’m going under a few "mixed" purposes. First, I’m going as a learner. My class with Huntington starts up in about 18 hours and I’m pretty excited about it. The idea of doing lab work surrounded by our target audience… very cool. Second, I’m going as a youth pastor. After all, this is what the conference is all about. I’m going to learn and observe what Youth Specialties thinks is "hot" in youth ministry. I love the break-out sessions and I’m greatly looking forward to learning some stuff I didn’t know. Thirdly, I’m going as an ambassador for YMX. We’re not vending there or presenting there, but I am looking forward to meeting up with some people from our incredible online community.

Pre-Convention Hopes

1. Rest. I need some of this. Schedule-wise, I don’t know how this will tangibly happen. But I do plan on skipping the occasional session just to "be" Adam and rest. There has got to be a hot tub with my name on it.
2. Small groups strategies. I want to hear what some of the smart guys are doing with their small group ministry.
3. Games and worship development: These are two things Light Force is getting better at… but could use a shot in the arm about.
4. Elbow rubbing: I want to chat with a lot of people I know "in the biz" of youth ministry. I look forward to meeting vendors, practitioners like me, academics, presenters, and maybe even a performer or stage presenter or two.
5. Fun. Man, I need a good shot of fun. Not childishness really, just some goofing off and a firm reminder that I’m only 30 and not 75.
6. Record some interviews. YMX is going to launch a podcast by the end of November… so I’m looking to interview 10-20 people. Forum users and "known people" alike. While I’m not the only one participating in the podcast development, I’m going to try to use the convention as a place where I can get some material.
7. Reflection: I’m ready to listen to God for a while. I feel like I do to much of the talking.
8. Serving others somehow. I look forward to helping however I can. Being that I’m all alone at the convention, I’ve got no excuses.

Note: I’ll be checking in regularly during the next few days. It’s the role of an introvert to be introverted when surrounded by extroverts.